Evaluation of Phenological, Pomological and Morphological Characteristics of Mashhad-84 Promising Sweet Cherry Genotype and Identification of Suitable Pollinizer Under Khorasan Razavi Conditions

Sweet cherry is one the important fruits in temperate region. Short duration of fruit production necessitates development and release of new early maturity sweet cherry cultivars. Selection in germplasm for new cultivars is practiced in fruit trees breeding programs. This research was carried out to evaluate quantitative and qualitative characteristics of five cherry cultivars: Adli, Belmarca, Pish Ras, Siah Mashhad, Siah Qazvin and Mashhad-84 promissing genotype, in Golmakan agricultural research station, Mashhad, Iran, in 2017-2018. The results of pollination showed that Mashhad- 84 promissing genotype is self- incpmpatible and cv. Dovomras, Stella and Haji Yousefi were identified as suitable pollinizers for it. Flowering in Mashhad-84 promissing genotype began on April 8 and full bloom completed in April 12. The duration of fruit ripening varied greatly aomong genotypes. Average fruit weight of Mashhad-84 promising genotype was 6.06 grams which was greater than average fruit weight of Adli (4.06 g), Pish Ras (4.04 g), and Belmarca (3.05 g). Early maturity cultivars usually have smaller fruit size, therefore, higher average fruit weight of Mashhad- 84 promising genotype is one of its advantage which will enhance its economic value and marketability.